Milestone for cycleway

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Some of the major sections of the multimillion-dollar Alps to Ocean cycleway have their much-awaited formal opening this weekend.

A gala dinner takes place tomorrow at Lake Ohau Lodge, with speeches from Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, Mackenzie District Mayor Claire Barlow and Waitaki District Mayor Alex Familton. The Aoraki Mt Cook-to-Omarama sections cover 163km of the 312km trail, which will eventually end in Oamaru.

However, the trail's marketing and sales officer, Jason Menard, said everyone is invited to the party after the Saturday dinner. The official ribbon-cuttings and cycle rides take place tomorrow and Sunday.

"Much of this section is just world class," Mr Menard said.

"I would consider the section from Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama one of the many highlights of the trail. The views are beautiful and the trail is very well constructed."

Mr Menard said there was still significant work to be undertaken over the next few months, but progress was steady.